About Lawfare Institute

The Lawfare Institute—publisher of information and insight at the intersection of national security, law, and policy—is now accepting Fall 2026 internship applications. The selected candidate will have the option of working remotely or in a hybrid model based in Washington, D.C. Applications for this internship will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application period will close on August 2, 2026 at midnight EST.

About the role

Lawfare has emerged as the indispensable online and podcasting resource for information and analysis on issues at the nexus of national security, law, and politics. Devoted to “Hard National Security Choices,” the site features incisive writing and analysis from experts on developing stories in the national security arena, including relevant legislation and judicial opinions. It is a digital publication that includes podcasts, book reviews, research tools, a daily news roundup, an events calendar, and exhaustive coverage of events other media touch only glancingly.

Interns work alongside the editorial team at Lawfare to publish analysis from leading experts in government, academia, and policy. The internship program seeks to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of study or career interest. Interns engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills.

Lawfare will pay the selected intern $18.40 per hour. Full time applicants (those who can commit to 35 - 40 hours per week during regular business hours roughly 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET) are preferred. Part-time candidates—who can also work during regular business hours—will be considered. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time position. The Fall 2026 internship at Lawfare will run from September 8, 2026 to January 8, 2027, though start and end dates are flexible. You are required to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship.

What you'll do

The intern will assist with running and maintaining the Lawfare website and will have an opportunity to learn a variety of research skills such as writing, research, and site maintenance. Learning will fall into three main categories:

Writing:

• Work with Associate Editors to monitor national security and foreign policy developments;
• Write “Today on Lawfare,” a compilation of Lawfare’s coverage of national security and legal news, 4-5 times per week;
• Work with the Associate Editors to co-write a deep-dive analytical piece on a relevant national security law and policy issue;
• Write “The Week that Was,” a weekly piece that provides a guide to the week’s Lawfare publications.

Research: Provide research support to the Lawfare editorial team and management as needed.

Maintaining the site: Tag and categorize Lawfare posts; track relevant congressional hearings; track and add relevant events to the Events Calendar; assist Associate Editors with production of the Lawfare Podcast, Lawfare Live, and other programs.

Qualifications

Undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year are encouraged to apply. Our most successful interns have strong writing, analytical, and research skills, as well as excellent verbal and organizational skills—preferably demonstrated through prior independent research or previous experience as a research assistant.

Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Please submit the following on or before August 2, 2026,

• A resume that shows the experience and education requested above
• A cover letter that explains how you plan to apply your skills and experiences to Lawfare. Your cover letter should highlight your educational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals. Also please indicate whether you are a full-time or part-time applicant.

If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to provide two professional references. We anticipate many applications; failing to follow these instructions will result in your application not being considered. Questions can be directed to applications@lawfaremedia.org.